Custom cars for 2026

[dreadnaut]

Let's split out this discussion from the rules thread 💥

All the custom cars this year saw some good action and podium results, including (finally!) the Mercedes DTM. Looking at previously used cars there, none stand out to me as "oh, we should really bring that back this season", although we could pick one out of Melange, Lola, or the Ford truck!

That could mean four or five new cars to shake up the selection. Some slow competition for the LM002 would be nice.

What do you suggest?

[alanrotoi]

I have a proposal plus a second line of substitute cars for 2026.



Porsche 959: The nemesis car of F40 in Test Drive 2 the duel. Tested in CCC a couple of years ago.
Ferrari Testarossa: Another beauty that never raced in zakstunts but tested in CCC a couple of years ago.
Monster Truck: Fun "slow car" with a different experience because its unique height. Tested in R4k and in a live race.
Mazda 787B: One of the last Zapper's masterpieces. I think it wasn't tested yet but it's a beauty (specially the dashboard) and is fast as hell.
Melange XGT-88: A classic that always is an option for me. It's the most used custom car in Zakstunts (last time in 2022). Created 23 years ago (almost) but with 2024 custom graphics.


Then we have some substitute cars:



Nissan Skyline: a proven classic for this competition.
IKA Torino GS: an Argentinian classic. It has the most realistic dashboard I ever built. Tested in R4K and in a live race.
Chevrolet Corvette CERV III: I loved this car since Kylie came it helped by Zapper and Cas. This car opened the door to the custom prototype cars on Stunts. Tested on R4k, Zakstunts (last time 2023) and live races.
Ferrari F40: Another beauty from Zapper that always is an option. It would be an interesting nemesis of Porsche 959 like in TD2.
Williams FW12: F1 car similar of McLaren Honda MP4/4. Fast, tricky and no PG. Tested in R4K.
Toyota Sprinter Trueno: Slow car tested in zakstunts (last time 2021).

[Spoonboy]

I'd love to see the Testarossa. Fun handling/grip levels. Though I prefer the F512M dashboard.
I didn't get on with the 959 too well, gear ratios seemed very short, so a lot of gear changes in manual, just to get around.

For fast drives, the Mazda is very good, we raced it in R4K 2024.
And how about the Lancia LC1? Was this used in a live race a few years ago?

For grip, I'd repeat my mention of Ryoma's Stratos Gr4. Upgraded dash, faster but not crazy fast like his Gr5!

At the slow end, I love the Trueno. The Niva or Land Rover could be LM002 alternatives, though I can't remember how different the three are in handling/performance.

I love the Oxia and was glad to aee it on the list this year. However, as it worked so well on so many tracks, it was used a lot and started to feel more like work! Maybe best to keep it special by giving it a rest.

[Victor Narl]

My proposed list for 2026 is as follows:
Melange XGT-88 - certainly a golden classic among custom cars
Baronetti HEXA - a very difficult to drive but very beautiful car, a completely new level in the history of stunt handling, I think it definitely needs to be featured here
Williams Renault FW12C - a new word in the line of super-racing cars
Ferrari Testarossa - what would a championship be without an elite Ferrari?
Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am (Kitt) - a simply incredible, one-of-a-kind car for super-difficult stunts without PG
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - to add a bit of detective thrill to the competition